Burglar on run is ‘too old’ for jail

A prolific burglar went on the run from police, because he thought he was too old for jail. Dad-of-five Danny O’Loughlin had received an 11 year prison term after taking part in heists in four counties.

He was released three years ago but then told he was being recalled to prison after an allegation of theft.

O’Loughlin - who has 39 previous convictions - went on the run instead, because he thought it was “unfair” for him to return to to complete his sentence. The 44 year old has told a judge at Maidstone Crown Court that he is now “a changed man” and is “too old” for jail.

He was a member of a gang of burglars who netted a £30 million haul of antiques and fine art from Wiltshire mansion and also raided properties belonging to a Formula 1 businessman Paddy McNally and the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.

O’Loughlin, also known as Johnson, was one of five men locked up - including an uncle and two cousins - for conspiracy to burgle.

He was eventually released from prison in December 2017 but then notified in February last year that he was to be recalled on licence following an allegation of van theft.

But, he refused to give himself up , working in construction instead and was travelling to a building job in Maidstone when he was finally stopped and arrested during a random police stop at the M25 Clacket Lane Services in June.

His barrister Kerry Waitt told the court: “This was not someone escaping or avoiding custody to commit more offences. He supported himself by working.

“Since his arrest, he has found his time in prison very difficult. He feels he is too old and has spent too much of his life there.” O’Loughlin, formerly from Cheltenham, admitted remaining unlawfully at large, plus an unrelated charge of threatening behaviour.

His jail term is four-and-a-half months.

Appearing in court via a video link he said: “I was 28 when the offences were committed and I’m 44 now. A lot has changed.”